PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – The X-rays on Justin Turner’s right ankle were negative, the Mets announced Sunday morning, a rare positive injury development in what has become a hapless spring.

Starting at third base on Sunday against the Marlins, Turner rolled the ankle when he tripped over the lip of the infield grass while throwing to first base in the fourth inning. He was then taken out of the game, but walked off unassisted.

Turner, who had the ankle bandaged before icing it, said he hopes to be back on the field Thursday. He may take part in light activities Monday before being reevaluated Wednesday. The Mets are off Tuesday.

"It's not so much the X-rays being negative, because I figured that would be the case," Turner said. "But getting out of bed this morning and it not being stiff on me was a good sign, I guess."

Turner is the leading candidate to start at third base if David Wright is unable to return from his intercostal strain in time for Opening Day. Zach Lutz, another option, started Sunday in the Mets' 2-1 loss to the Braves. He went 0-for-3 at the plate.

“This kid can play at the major-league level and he can save you a lot,” manager Terry Collins said of the 28-year-old Turner on Saturday. “He knows how to handle the bat, he knows how to play.”

• Left-hander Aaron Laffey said he is scheduled to start one of the Mets’ two split-squad games next Sunday. He will come out of the bullpen again sometime this week before then.

Collins has reiterated that Laffey is a possible option to start should injuries beset the starting rotation.

Laffey has yet to allow a run in eight innings over four relief appearances this spring. He has made 65 career starts for four teams over six major-league seasons. He posted a 4.56 ERA over 100 2/3 innings in 22 appearances (16 starts) for the Blue Jays last season.

• Jenrry Mejia said he still doesn't know when he'll throw again. The starting pitcher was shut down after his start last Monday due to forearm tendonitis.

Mejia said he first felt pain two days before the start -- on Saturday -- and when he pitched Monday the forearm tightened up. He remains optimistic, however.